Government
Transport Topics government and regulatory coverage keeps managers of a highly-regulated industry aware of the policy decisions that can shape their businesses. Covering both the legislative and regulatory aspects of policy-making, at both the state and national levels, the news in this category includes looks at infrastructure, hours of service, emissions rules, funding measures, leadership appointments, and more. Readers can follow what’s happening in Congress, at the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration, and in state and local governments.
DOT Awards $500,000 to Assist Washington State in Fixing Rain-Damaged Roads
The U.S. Department of Transportation is providing Washington state with $500,000 to help authorities fix roads damaged by recent heavy rainfall.
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California Farm Bureau Files for Bee Hauler HOS Exemption
The California Farm Bureau Federation has petitioned federal regulators for an exemption from 30-minute rest breaks for drivers transporting bees that are critically needed to pollinate crops.
Rosekind Sworn in as NHTSA Administrator
Mark Rosekind was sworn in as administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration during a ceremony this week.
FMCSA Renews Vision Waivers for 21 Commercial Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Jan. 6 announced that 21 visually impaired commercial drivers have met the physical requirements to be allowed to continue to operate vehicles on highways.
Trade Gap Shrinks More Than Forecast as US Oil Imports Dry Up
The trade deficit narrowed in November as U.S. petroleum imports sank to the lowest level in more than five years.
White House Unlikely to Support Senate Keystone Pipeline Bill
White House press secretary Josh Earnest on Jan. 6 said President Obama is not likely to sign a Senate bill that would greenlight construction of the Keystone XL pipeline from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Boehner, Pelosi Re-elected to House Posts
John Boehner (R-Ohio) has been re-elected to a third term as speaker of the House, despite defections by 25 Republicans, who didn’t vote or cast their votes for a handful of other names.
Calif. Gov. Brown Wants Petroleum Use Cut 50%, More Money for Roads, Bridges
California Gov. Jerry Brown wants to see a 50% reduction in petroleum use by cars and trucks by 2030 and a greater investment in roads and bridges as soon as possible.
Brake Violations Climb to 16.2%, CVSA Reports
The out-of-service rate for the annual Brake Safety Week in September was 16.2%, up from 13.5% in 2013, said the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.
Service Industries Expand at Slowest Pace in Six Months
Service industries expanded in December at the slowest pace in six months, indicating the biggest part of the U.S. economy cooled as the year drew to a close.